New trial date netted in drug case

ByBradley Massman Tribune Staff Writer

Updated 8:31 am, Friday, July 21, 2017

BAD AXE — After obtaining a new attorney in May, a Bad Axe man’s trial has been rescheduled to begin later this year.

Michael J. DePatty is scheduled to appear for his two-day trial on Sept. 12 in Huron County Circuit Judge Gerald M. Prill’s courtroom, court records indicate. His trial was originally set to begin June 13, but after being appointed a new attorney, the proceedings were pushed back.

Prior to being appointed Bad Axe-based attorney Walt Salens to defend him, DePatty was representing himself, and attorney Andrew Lockard was present at court hearings as his standby counsel.

DePatty, 36, is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver hydrocodone, three counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer and being a fourth-time habitual offender.

The charges stem from Feb. 10 incident in which DePatty allegedly delivered hydrocodone to a confidential informant who was working with the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at the Bad Axe Wal-Mart. It’s alleged that DePatty requested marijuana from the informant in exchange for the pills.

If convicted, and because of his habitual offender status, DePatty faces up to life in prison.

A final pretrial is scheduled for Aug. 14.

As of Monday, DePatty remains lodged in the Huron County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.